The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has clarified that current regulations do not provide toll fee exemptions based on queue lengths or waiting times at toll plazas on National Highways (NHs). This was confirmed by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in two separate replies in the Lok Sabha, addressing concerns raised by MPs.
Toll Plaza Distance Regulations
Permissible 60-Km Range
Gadkari addressed a query from Saharanpur MP Imran Masood regarding toll charges on the Chandigarh-Dehradun NH-73 route. Masood pointed out that tolls were being collected even though the distance between toll plazas on either side of the Sarsawa toll plaza was less than 60 kilometers. Gadkari clarified, “Fee plazas functioning within a 60 km range are permissible as per the NH Fee Rules and Concession Agreement.”
Historical Context and Clarification
Contradiction in Statements
An old video of Gadkari from March 2022 had resurfaced, where he assured that there would be only one toll plaza within a 60-km range and any additional ones would be shut down within three months. However, his recent reply in the Lok Sabha contradicted this, stating no such exemption exists. Gadkari explained that the rules allow for multiple toll plazas within 60 kilometers if necessary, as documented by the executing authority.
Establishment of Fee Plazas
Rules and Exceptions
Gadkari further stated that fee plazas on NHs are established according to the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. This rule stipulates that no other fee plaza shall be established within 60 kilometers in the same direction unless necessary. Additionally, a fee plaza may be established within this distance for the collection of fees for a permanent bridge, bypass, or tunnel. The 60-kilometer distance criterion was introduced in the 2008 rules, which did not exist in the earlier 1997 rules.
No Exemptions for Extended Waiting Times
Queue Management and FASTag Implementation
Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal asked about guidelines for designing new toll plazas to lift boom barriers if vehicle queues exceed 100 meters during peak hours. Gadkari responded, “There is no provision for exempting vehicles from user fees if stopped beyond a certain distance or time limit at fee plazas.” He highlighted the mandatory implementation of FASTag from February 16, 2021, which significantly reduced waiting times at toll plazas. An impact assessment study by NHAI found that average waiting times decreased from 734 seconds to 47 seconds in the financial year 2022.
Conclusion
The MoRTH has reiterated that toll fee exemptions based on queue lengths or waiting times are not permissible under current regulations. The clarification addresses misunderstandings and highlights the Ministry’s commitment to efficient toll collection and reduced waiting times through technological implementations like FASTag.
